Los Angeles County firefighters salute the coroner’s van carrying Andrew Pontious, who died when parts of a burning front-end loader exploded at a quarry. Friday Littlerock, California, June 14, 2024 County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said, possibly shortly after crews arrived. At approximately 2:10 p.m., an explosion occurred, killing Andrew Pontious, a 19-year veteran of the fire department. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)

A Los Angeles County firefighter was killed on Friday, June 14, when part of a burning front-end loader exploded at a Littlerock quarry.

A Los Angeles County Fire Department crew responded to a quarry located at 7300 Pearblossom Highway in the community southeast of Palmdale around 2 p.m., after a report of a vehicle on fire.

County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said that shortly after crews arrived, probably around 2:10 p.m., an explosion occurred, killing Andrew Pontious, a 19-year-old firefighter.

Until early evening, his body remained at the scene, covered with an American flag.

A second firefighter who was close to the explosion was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center but did not suffer any serious injuries and has been released from the hospital, Marrone added.

“I don’t know how the fire started and I don’t know what exploded,” Marrone said, noting that a thorough investigation will be conducted.

Marrone said Pontious is stationed in Palmdale. Marrone called him “a wonderful man.” He was married. He is the father. It’s just a tragedy.”

By late afternoon, the large front-end loader was still burning, sending thick, black smoke into the air.

Fire crews maintained a safe distance from the equipment, which was located in an isolated dirt area and did not pose a risk of flames spreading to other vehicles. Crews installed a water hose on the vehicle and most of the flames appeared to be extinguished by early evening.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes the Littlerock area, said in a statement that her “heart is heavy.” …

“I offer my deepest condolences to (the Pontious family) and the other firefighters at Station 93,” she said. “This is a sobering reminder of the dangers our first responders face every day.

“We owe them our unwavering support as they grapple with this loss,” the supervisor said. “I am committed to providing our firefighters with the mental health support they need during their time of grief.”